Dog endangering my soft furnishings

[Rhihhare]

My lab likes to kill my cushions - literally shake them to bits like prey. Sometimes he humps them too, even though he's been done.

I don't mind him trashing his own blankets or shagging them to pieces, but how do I train him to leave the good stuff?

You could try swapping the good stuff for his blanket or a toy, it might work.

When you see him going for one of your cushions, take it from him and give him his blanket instead and maybe a treat at the same time.

It does mean you have to be permanently on watch but hopefully he'll eventually get the idea that his blanket is the better option.

Sounds worth a try, thank you.

I currently remove them if I go out but I can't do that every time I leave the room. I don't think he has anxiety as he likes to do it when the dcs are glued to the tv - needless to say they don't notice!

Doesn't sound like anxiety, he just likes murdering and humping cushions:)

I solved this problem. By having no cushions . I only look at them online where they're safe from canine slobber and teeth.

I have done that, but now I have been given a load of lovely cushions by my mum because she's downsized. And I have a new sewing machine bought with the sole purpose of making soft furnishings.

There's something wrong with me, isn't there? I am creating cushions knowing that I will be sending them to an almost certain death. Or mega humping session.

We close the door so they can't get in the room with the cushions when we aren't with them. Our old house was open plan and it was impossible to keep them intact.

No, can't do that, then he'd be in the kitchen which is the cat's domaine, and given what he does to cushions...

(Although my money's on the cat actually)

'I am creating cushions knowing that I will be sending them to an almost certain death. Or mega humping session.'

You're a cushion pimp .

You could try making him one that's all his? Something that's bigger than your nice cushions and has eg a blanket as the outer cover and a second, tougher cover inside? Mine love the Dunelm teddy bear throws and they would make a lovely soft humpy friend cushion.